Rathbun Lake is the only Iowa Corps Resevior that does not receive waste water effluent discharge from Iowa's major metro areas.

Rathbun Lake is below expected sedimentation levels. Redrock, Saylorville, and Coralville are ahead of expected levels. Redrock has had two normal pool level increases since opening to accommodate siltation.

Rathbun Lake water quality allows use as both a source of drinking water by RRWA and as a primary fish hatchery by the IDNR.

​The Rathbun Land and Water Alliance has had a demonstrable impact in efforts to mitigate pollutant discharge into our lake. The effort continues with goals that will further improve our recreational water​